Architects drummer Dan Searle says they're "going into the unknown" on first tour since guitarist Tom died – but it's a chance to celebrate his life

The prospect of Architects playing live without the late Tom Searle is “frightening,” his brother Dan has admitted.

The drummer says their first shows without the guitarist, who died from cancer aged just 28 last month, will be an “enormous challenge” which will bring out a lot of “difficult emotions” – but the band see them as an opportunity to celebrate Tom’s life.

Dan says: “It’s difficult to know what to expect from these shows. This is such a unique set of circumstances. Perhaps other bands would have cancelled, and I wouldn’t blame them. It’s not comfortable. It’s frightening.

“It’s going to force us to face a lot of the difficult emotions that grief inevitably brings about. Being on stage without him, headlining venues that we always dreamt about playing together and performing songs that he wrote about his own mortality – it’s going to be an enormous challenge. What I do hope is that we all find some catharsis from performing.

“I don’t expect closure, I don’t know if I’ll ever experience such a thing, but perhaps we can find some solace, comfort, peace or relief from getting on stage each night.

“One thing is for sure – the atmosphere is going to be special. These shows are a celebration of Tom‘s life.”

He adds: “Every night will be an opportunity for us all to express our love and gratitude for Tom and what he’s given all of us. We will be playing with everything we have and we know that you guys will be giving everything you have too.”

Addressing their Australian fans, Dan says their tour Down Under beginning next week is a “massive leap.” He admits they probably would have cancelled if they didn’t have their “brothers” in Bring Me The Horizon to support them while on the road.

He says: “We leave the UK on Saturday. It feels like a massive leap for us to be honest. We probably wouldn’t be going if it wasn’t with our brothers in Bring Me The Horizon. We are going into the unknown with these shows.

“As with the UK and European shows, we will give it our all. We’ve always loved your country and you guys embraced us from day one, we haven’t forgotten that.

“If you are coming to a show, get down to the front and sing with us, your support means even more at times like this. Thank you everyone for all of your continued love and understanding.”